1.11  FREEWAYS

Entering a freeway correctly is a skill that tests a driver's confidence in his judgement of traffic and use of acceleration power. Without these, learners frustrate themselves and traffic around them.

The usual entry is by a left hand turn, that leads to an acceleration lane, also called 'freeway ramp'.

Follow these instructions to enter safely:

• Obtain a view of traffic already on the freeway, the earlier the better. Keep your distance from preceding traffic to avoid a rear end collision, if they slow down or stop while you turn to check for traffic.
• Indicate right on the approach. (Cancel signal once you are on the freeway).
• Match your speed with that of the freeway traffic. The longer the acceleration lane and the more power your car can produce, the smoother your entry. Only slow down, if absolutely necessary.

Trust your fellow motorist to create space for you to safely enter. Very courteous drivers even change to their right hand lane to assist your entry.

(A little wave to say "thank you" as they pass, demonstrates your appreciation).

How not to enter or leave a freeway: 

Wrong entry into the acceleration lane!  Note how a problem in one lane, can easily spill over into an adjacent one. It is your responsibility to give way to traffic on the freeway, should this become an issue. Look for the white dotted line. Once you have crossed this line, you are on the freeway.
	Last minute decision to turn? How would you feel if you were the truck driver? Exiting a freeway is by a 'deceleration lane' (at far left). Before reducing speed, indicate left. Move across the white broken line first, then commence braking.  This way you will not interrupt fast flowing traffic on the freeway.

What not to do before exiting: 

Don't overtake just prior to turning off.

Never reverse on a freeway, even if you missed the turnoff.

 

When nearing the freeway exit, look for these green signs. The two white bars indicate 200 meters to the exit. There are three of these, placed at 100, 200 and 300 metres before the start of the exit ramp.

Multi-laned roads with long, steep downhill sections, pose danger when traveling in the left lane. Adelaide's three-laned freeway, that gently winds it's way for 7 km from the highest suburb down to the outskirts of the city, is a good example.

Commuters travel up 100 km/h to gain fast access to the city. However, heavy trucks in the left lane must keep their speed down as low as 15 or 20 km/h in low gear. The brakes alone are unable to cope with the constant pressure of braking down the steep descent.

Therefore, avoid traveling in the left lane. The speed difference may leave very little time to lane change. Imagine entering the Heysen Tunnel in the left lane covering 27 m per second (at 100 km/h). Suddenly the left lane is occupied by a fully-laden truck crawling along at 4.16 m per second (15 km/h). What's more, the tunnel and the freeway are curved in places, reducing visibility.

Be extra cautious in the wet on steep downhill sections. Braking distances are far longer.